Plasmaviridae

Plasmaviridae is a family of bacteriophages that infect bacteria. The family contains a single genus, Plasmavirus, which in turn contains a single species, Acholeplasma virus L2. The viruses in this family are characterized by their unique morphology and life cycle.

Morphology

Viruses in the Plasmaviridae family are non-enveloped and have a spherical shape. The capsid is icosahedral and has a diameter of approximately 50 nm. The capsid surrounds a single molecule of circular, double-stranded DNA.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Plasmaviridae is unique among bacteriophages. The virus attaches to the host cell via a specific receptor, after which the viral DNA is injected into the cell. The DNA then integrates into the host's genome, where it remains dormant until the host cell is stressed. At this point, the viral DNA is excised from the host genome and begins to replicate. The newly formed viral particles are then released from the host cell by budding, a process that does not kill the host cell.

Genome

The genome of Plasmaviridae is circular and double-stranded. It is approximately 12 kilobases in length and contains around 14 genes. The genes encode for proteins involved in DNA replication, capsid formation, and host cell lysis.

Pathogenicity

Plasmaviridae are not known to be pathogenic to humans. However, they can cause disease in their bacterial hosts. The exact nature of this disease is not well understood, but it is thought to involve changes in the host cell's metabolism and possibly cell death.

Research

Research into Plasmaviridae is ongoing, with scientists hoping to learn more about the unique life cycle of these viruses and their potential uses in biotechnology.

See Also

• Bacteriophage
• Virus
• DNA virus